Can we artificially create a sense of place through mixed use developments?

This study investigates the capability of mixed use developments in artificially creating a sense of place or a community, with particular reference to the large scale mixed use development at Paddington Waterside. The data includes interviews with local residents and planning professionals familiar with the area. Passive observations were also conducted at Paddington Waterside as an observation exercise on different days and times to gain an understanding of how busy the area is at these times. To fully investigate the aims of this dissertation, four further additional research objectives were established. These involved the success of Paddington Waterside in creating a 'place,' and the residential elements in creating a 'home.' The research objectives further investigated the various Use Classes promoted at Paddington Waterside in successfully working together, and if such uses reflect the needs of Westminster. Overall it has been considered that Paddington Waterside to date has not created a sense of place, or a lively community. The data suggests several reasons for this delay in the development. Most importantly the developments proximity to Paddington train station is seen as the biggest hindrance to the creation of a 'place,' allowing movement of residents at weekends. However, this is acknowledged to allow a sustainable development to be promoted with limited car reliance. Alongside this the results also highlighted that the regeneration of Paddington Waterside is clearly aimed at the employees within the development. As such, there is limited family housing within the development and a clear lack of child facilities. This was also identified to inhibit the creation of a sense of place at this location